With the January transfer window now open, several Premier League clubs will be looking to do some business before the 11pm deadline on the 31st of this month.
We have taken a look at the biggest transfer rumours circulating right now and what some of England’s top-flight teams need to keep them fighting for major honours or battling to avoid relegation.
Unsurprisingly, Newcastle United, now one of the richest clubs in the world, feature heavily as they attempt to bring in the right talent to keep them from dropping down to the Championship.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Linked with Newcastle
Having been recently stripped of the Arsenal captaincy and left out of the subsequent squads, Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks to be coming towards the end of his time at the Emirates.
The Magpies, who have both Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin on the sidelines, are reportedly eager to take the forward on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent for £20million.
Kieran Trippier – Linked with Newcastle
England international Kieran Trippier appears on course to make his return to the Premier League with reports suggesting a move to Newcastle is close to being competed.
A formal approach has been made for the defender by the Magpies and Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone recently said it is down to the right-back on what he wants to do.
Trippier played the full 90 minutes in Atleti’s 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and he went about a lengthy walkaround the pitch at the end, applauding the home crowd in what looked like a farewell.
Axel Tuanzebe – Linked with Napoli
Having played just nine Premier League games on loan at Aston Villa in the first half of the season, Axel Tuanzebe looks set for another temporary switch to Italian side Napoli.
Manchester United are believed to have exercised the option to bring the defender back to Old Trafford early and they are close to agreeing a deal to send him back out on loan to Italy for the second half of the campaign.
Adama Traore – Linked with Tottenham and West Ham
Spain international Adama Traore has found first-team opportunities limited at Wolves this season, making just 10 league starts, and continues to reject the club’s offer of a new contract.
With his current deal expiring in the summer of 2023, Wolves are said to be willing to sell the winger in January in order to help fund Bruno Lage’s transfer plans and £20million could be enough to land him.
According to reports, West Ham United are eager to bring in the speedster, given the fact they have the Europa League knockout stages to contend with on top of a busy domestic schedule, while Tottenham are also keen to add him to their squad.
Ousmane Dembele – Linked with Manchester United
Ralf Rangnick is looking to strengthen Manchester United’s ranks this month and there are reports claiming a swap deal could happen, with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele heading to Old Trafford and Anthony Martial going in the opposite direction.
The Red Devils appear to have all the power in this potential transfer, as Martial still has two years left on his contract while Dembele’s deal at the Nou camp runs out this summer.
Isco – Linked with Tottenham Hotspur
Real Madrid are looking to free up some funds this month and one of the players they are reportedly willing to let go is Spain international Isco, who has made just two La Liga starts this season.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte is eager to add some more creativity to his squad in January and Isco, who could be available for less than £10million given the fact his contract expires this summer, is said to be one of his top targets.
Premier League Teams – January requirements
Arsenal – At least one striker to replace Aubameyang and a midfielder to cover Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, who are both taking part in AFCON.
Aston Villa – Steven Gerrard’s men have one of the worst defensive records in the division this season, making strengthening at the back a priority.
Brentford – With doubts over Pontus Jansson’s future at the club, finding a replacement could be on Thomas Frank’s mind in what should be a relatively quiet window for the Bees.
Brighton – If the Seagulls want to take the next step in the Premier League, they must bring in at least two proven goalscorers this month.
Burnley – With James Tarkowski reportedly on the way out and Ben Mee’s contract expiring, bringing in some defensive cover is a must, while some attacking reinforcements are needed with Maxwel Cornet off to AFCON.
Chelsea – With Ben Chilwell set to miss the rest of the season due to injury, Thomas Tuchel will be keen to bring in cover at left-back, while resolving the issues around Romelu Lukaku will be high on the agenda.
Crystal Palace – The Eagles could do with another centre-back as any injury would limit the current options, while another striker would help to strengthen their forward line.
Everton – The Toffees needed to strengthen in the full-back positions and they have already signed Vitaliy Mykolenko, while right-back Nathan Patterson is close to joining from Rangers.
Leeds United – Marcelo Bielsa’s squad has been decimated this season and the Whites could do with additions in all areas of the pitch, especially in midfield with Kalvin Phillips out injured.
Leicester City – With Daniel Amartey, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho off to AFCON, the Foxes could do with finding some cover for these players, while another centre-back will be high on Brendan Rodgers’ list.
Liverpool – With Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah off to AFCON, some attacking reinforcements will be high on Jurgen Klopp’s list.
Manchester City – City’s squad has so much strength and depth, little or now business is expected from the Citizens.
Manchester United – It is more about departures at Old Trafford this January, with Ralf Rangnick looking to trim the squad and get rid of any players unhappy at the club.
Newcastle United – Now one of the richest clubs around, the Magpies need additions in defence, midfield and attack as they look to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Norwich City – The Canaries need to bring in some firepower if they are going to survive, while they could also do with some reinforcements at the back to try and plug a leaky defence.
Southampton – Ralph Hasenhuttl has already said he doesn’t plan to be busy in January, with a potential extension of Willy Caballero’s deal until the end of the season the only highlight.
Tottenham Hotspur – Spurs are short of numbers at the back and will be eager to bring in defensive reinforcements, while another body at the other end of the pitch would be welcomed.
Watford – The Hornets could do with another keeper in their ranks, given the fact Ben Foster has struggled with injury and Daniel Bachmann is only considered a back-up.
West Ham – Bringing in another centre-back is high up on David Moyes’ January list, while another striker to help ease the load on Michail Antonio is a deal the club may look at.
Wolves – Bruno Lage’s side have only scored 13 goals this season, the second-worst record, and they will be keen to bring in some attacking reinforcements, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
